Ouroboros

Photography by federica_vinci_photography

Not to bang my drum, but did you know buying a book on launch day/pre-ordering it, can massively help publishers to support authors? If you think you might want it eventually, make eventually NOW! I'm giving you permission in case anyone asks. I told you to do it.

Support me on: Kofi

Nona the Ninth - Tamsyn Muir

Charles Leclerc, 2026// Joan of Arc by John Everett Millais, 1865

Yay! Palamedes and Camilla are here. Palamedes is probably marveling at an ancient skittle and Cam is taking notes and just repeating "indubitably Warden."

here's to camilla hect

the ninth

some harrows and not harrow study of sorts

I don't. No seriously, this has previously been a huge ongoing issue for me. My advice? Give up. I don't mean this in a harsh way, I just mean that its literally impossible in the current attention economy. The broadening of mainstream Media beyond the limitations of 20th Century forms (novels, newspapers, cinemas, Broadcast TV etc.) means there is too much for you to meaningfully consume, especially when you are being manipulated into believing every new release is "must watch" and the internet means you are hugely overexposed to people, places, things and activities that demand your attention. Try flipping the script. Instead of saying "I'll read 20 books this year" or "I'll paint 50 mini figs this month" or whatever, aim to give up on as many things as possible. Ignore what you "should" be doing with your free time (excluding important stuff like work, paying bills, exercising, looking after family etc.) and instead try each thing for 20 minutes and it hasn't actively hooked you then just ditch it and move on and if you can't do the thing without spending more money, bounce it to the bottom of the list. Pretty soon you'll have a roster of things that interest you without costing you and the rate you quit stuff will slow. Sustain this for a year or so and you will have culled your "should" list massively, spent less money, accrued less crappy possessions and re-trained yourself to treat all this stuff as needing to earn your attention rather than an obligation to be met. Don't get me wrong, there are many things that we should try that are not pleasant but if something you skipped really is a "must do" that is going to improve your life, it will still be around at the end of this period for you to return to. There's nothing wrong with prioritising your own enjoyment now and then if you are on top of the essential stuff. TLDR: Cut yourself some slack, stop trying to "keep up" and instead make your attention something to be earned. (Disclaimer: I AM NOT A QUALIFIED THERAPIST, PROFFESIONAL LIFE COACH OR FUNCTIONAL HUMAN BEING. I am a slightly odd stranger on the internet so make sure you treat this advice as accordingly disposable. Or don't. You decide, that's the point!)

The Emperor's Reason

Remember to hydrate your necro 💧

This book is a Baroque painting

69